Axton, Axton, Axton… what are we going to do with you? Ah, maybe Leander knows, yes… it appears that he does. Axton ‘s voice is snarky, intelligent, fun, a bit anti-social and distant. Of course, this is understandable as he’s been living in near isolation in his cabin in the woods, away from people and other werewolves. Ah, yes, he’s a were, who was banished from his pack. I’ll let him tell you that story when you read it, just like he did with Leander. Back to the distant thing for a moment, it seems to be a fragile thing that he’s ready to break free of if given a chance – not necessarily by someone else but by his own self.And then there is Leander. He’s kind, capable, in tune, caring, teasing and his level of smartassery is quite healthy. Man, gotta love when two smartasses get together! I know I have more fun. ;) Anyway, these two challenge each other, physically and otherwise. They are two strong men with solid beliefs but wavering ideas. They seem at once both very compatible and yet at odds. It’s not that they aren’t trying because they are. It has that familiar ring of when you’re getting to know someone and there are fits and starts, successes and failures when reading and reacting to each other’s actions and emotions. Things are always more difficult when there are secrets and unknowns.I had no idea what was coming about ¾’s of the way through this book. My heart was strangled, racing, the desperation and despair were dripping from the pages. The clashing elation and fear, what was going to happen??? My heart could barely take it, especially when I would insist on holding my breath. For those first three quarters, we experience the two steps forward, three steps back Axton and Leander take through several of their seasons. Sometimes together, sometimes not. The tub scene. I shall only say that is one of the most tenderly, sensuously written passages I have read in a long ass time. It’s a turning point, it’s palpable the significance in this quiet act. When you know, when you want… mercifully, Axton has no clue at this moment, he’s simply in it. I could see some readers tossing this into the pile with others who conclude that the ending was too fast, things were resolved too quickly. I respectfully and wholeheartedly disagree. What we have here is how life measures itself often: in millennia and milliseconds. It can be months or years before you hear the crackle and see the flash and smell the change. Suddenly, your plans, assumptions, fears and resignations get tossed right out of the swinging porch door, our heart taking command. We get to see, hear, taste, smell and feel their starts and stutters until their life together may finally be beginning. They have many seasons, and more, yet to share. There is immense promise for so much more.So if you’re looking for a fun, creative story with character voices that can’t help but give you no choice to keep reading and find out what they’ll next say and do, this book is for you. *Grins*
